Jets: Parcells Not Out Of Question
BY DAVE HUTCHINSON

Tuesday, January 23, 2007BY DAVE HUTCHINSONStar-Ledger Staff Bill Parcells might have retired as head coach of the Cowboys yesterday, but -- if history is any indication -- that doesn't mean he's done with the NFL.

And while the Giants yesterday ruled out a reunion with the franchise's lone Super Bowl-winning coach -- "No" was Giants president John Mara's to-the-point answer to whether the Giants had any interest in Parcells in any capacity -- the Jets front office would seem to be a logical landing place for Parcells to put the finishing touches on his Hall of Fame career.

Parcells, 65, is extremely close to Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum, whom Parcells hired in 1997 while coach of the Jets. At the time, Tannenbaum was a 28-year-old salary cap whiz whom Parcells took under his wing. The two remain good friends.

"There isn't a major decision in my life, both personally and professionally, that I make without first talking to Bill," Tannenbaum said earlier this season when asked if he spoke with Parcells before the Jets decided to hire Eric Mangini as head coach.

A native son of New Jersey -- where the Jets plan to move in 2008 -- Parcells also has a strong relationship with Mangini, who was on his staff with the Jets. During a recent, much-publicized rift with former mentor Bill Belichick, Mangini said Parcells is one of the head coaches around the league whom he calls for advice.

Parcells, who coached the Cowboys the past four seasons, spent four seasons with the Jets (1997-2000). He took them from 1-15 in 1996 to the AFC Championship Game in 1998 against the Broncos. He stepped down as coach after the 1999 season and, after a year as the director of football operations, he retired, saying he was done with football.

Parcells left the Jets with the blessings of owner Woody Johnson, who to this day admires and respects Parcells and would likely welcome him back.

Tannenbaum is in Mobile, Ala., scouting the Senior Bowl and was unavailable for comment yesterday.

Staff writer Paul Needell contributed to this story. Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@starledger.com

Bring him back on...in a role as a consultant or in the scouting department. A role where his sudden departure wouldn't be a detriment to the team. No one can deny what Parcell's can do to build a team...and despite what we may want to believe...we are still rebuilding. His expertise and advice in the upcoming draft would be invaluable.

If he can RELAX and not meddle into the affairs of Mangini (which might be tough for Bill to do)...than absolutely bring him on board as a the "consigliere" to Tannebaum. Parcells has an excellent eye for 3-4 defensive talent

Tuesday, January 23, 2007BY DAVE HUTCHINSONStar-Ledger Staff Bill Parcells might have retired as head coach of the Cowboys yesterday, but -- if history is any indication -- that doesn't mean he's done with the NFL.

And while the Giants yesterday ruled out a reunion with the franchise's lone Super Bowl-winning coach -- "No" was Giants president John Mara's to-the-point answer to whether the Giants had any interest in Parcells in any capacity -- the Jets front office would seem to be a logical landing place for Parcells to put the finishing touches on his Hall of Fame career.

Parcells, 65, is extremely close to Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum, whom Parcells hired in 1997 while coach of the Jets. At the time, Tannenbaum was a 28-year-old salary cap whiz whom Parcells took under his wing. The two remain good friends.

"There isn't a major decision in my life, both personally and professionally, that I make without first talking to Bill," Tannenbaum said earlier this season when asked if he spoke with Parcells before the Jets decided to hire Eric Mangini as head coach.

A native son of New Jersey -- where the Jets plan to move in 2008 -- Parcells also has a strong relationship with Mangini, who was on his staff with the Jets. During a recent, much-publicized rift with former mentor Bill Belichick, Mangini said Parcells is one of the head coaches around the league whom he calls for advice.

Parcells, who coached the Cowboys the past four seasons, spent four seasons with the Jets (1997-2000). He took them from 1-15 in 1996 to the AFC Championship Game in 1998 against the Broncos. He stepped down as coach after the 1999 season and, after a year as the director of football operations, he retired, saying he was done with football.

Parcells left the Jets with the blessings of owner Woody Johnson, who to this day admires and respects Parcells and would likely welcome him back.

Tannenbaum is in Mobile, Ala., scouting the Senior Bowl and was unavailable for comment yesterday. Staff writer Paul Needell contributed to this story. Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@starledger.com